Doctorate in School Psychology on Campus Programs

Are you searching for on-campus school psychology Ph.D. programs? If you’re a working professional, earning your Doctorate in School Psychology on Campus may enhance your career, deepen your expertise in your field, or open the doors to new opportunities. School psychologists have a number of responsibilities that are important to the effectiveness of a school, from identification and testing of students for learning disorders and other disabilities and extraordinary needs, to developing IEPs, collaborating with teachers and caretakers, conducting interventions, and helping to maintain a healthy and productive school environment.

Essentials of Doctorate in School Psychology on Campus Programs

Choosing to study to earn your PH.D. in school psychology in a traditional program situated in a brick-and-mortar campus has a number of advantages and benefits. Campus-based programs offer you the opportunity to embrace social opportunities, becoming a part of the campus community, and networking with peers and classmates. You may be able to interact with faculty one-on-one both in and out of the classroom. You may also be able to collaborate with your peers in person.

Traditional campuses also offer a number of resources to their students, including the library and research support, academic support services, career planning services, gym facilities, technology labs, and other services and benefits. Additionally, you may be able to seize opportunities for research experience, working under respected faculty at your institution, and even seek out opportunities for fellowships, teaching assistantships, and other important experiences and benefits.

But once you’ve decided you want to attend a campus-based school psychology doctoral program, how do you know which is the right one for you? Here are a few important things to consider when choosing between school

psychology graduate programs.

What do you want to study?

While this seems like an obvious question, understanding specifically what you are interested in studying can help to narrow down school psychology doctoral programs. School psychologists may specialize in any number of specific areas of focus. This might include behavioral issues, specific age ranges, disorder types, and other topics of focus.

Whether you already work in one focus area, or whether there is a specific area that interests you most, finding a program that enables you to study according to your specific interests and goals may be a particular advantage when earning your doctorate in school psychology. This might include a program specifically oriented around that focus, studying under faculty who are interested in researching that or similar topics, or a program flexible enough that you might tailor it according to your particular interests.

What is your preferred academic approach?

Within the field of psychology there are several different approaches a program might take with regard to the material. These are sometimes referred to as scientist-practitioner, practitioner-scholar, etc. These theoretical approaches to the subject matter may reflect the values and orientation of the program itself, such as whether the program is research and academia-oriented, or whether it is more clinically focused or aimed toward practicing in the field. When deciding which school psychology doctoral program is right for you, depending on your particular learning style and priorities, you may prefer one of these approaches over the other.

Is your preferred school psychology doctoral program APA accredited?

While not all school psychology doctoral programs are APA accredited, there may be benefits to choosing a program that is. In order to be accredited, a program must meet a pre-defined series of qualifications by the American Psychological Association, making accreditation a good way to ensure you are attending a program of reliable quality.

Furthermore, some internship opportunities may require you to come from an APA accredited program. Even some licensing agencies, government agencies, and employers may prefer or require a diploma from an APA accredited program.[i]

What other opportunities do you need in a school psychology doctoral program?

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may have other specific opportunities and benefits you need your perfect program to offer. For example, are you looking for full time programs with fellowship and teaching assistantship opportunities? What about internship placement rates? If a reputable, accredited internship is a priority for you, you may prefer a program with a high rate of placement in quality internships. Identifying the particular offerings, opportunities and benefits you want out of your perfect program may be a good way to narrow down your list of contenders.

What Types of On-Campus School Psychology Doctoral Programs are available?

If you have already decided that you want to pursue your doctorate in school psychology in a traditional on-campus program, you may find yourself having to choose between any of several different types of doctorate programs. While each of these school psychology doctorate programs may have unique advantages as well as commonalities, understanding how they differ may help you to choose the best program for you.

School psychology Ph.D. programs may be the most recognizable school psychology doctorate type, and as such may be widely applicable in a variety of ways in the field. These programs may be research and theory-based. As such, earning your Ph.D. in school psychology may be the right decision for you if you are interested in laying the foundation for a career in research or teaching at the university level among other potential utilizations. School psychology Ph.D. programs may include a master’s thesis or research experience prerequisite.

Ed.D. programs in school psychology may often be offered by a school of education, and as such, the focus of these programs may take a perspective reflecting the field of education accordingly. Programs offering an Ed.D. in school psychology may also be oriented toward working professionals in the field of education, and may or may not have similar thesis and research experience requirements as in a Ph.D. program.

Psy.D. programs in school psychology may typically be issued by a school of psychology, and as such, the perspective and focus of those programs may take a more clinical, psychological focus oriented toward either the researcher or practitioner of psychology.

Each of these program types may be further differentiated or qualified by your chosen focus area and course of study and research, as well as individual differences varying by program, school and institution. As such, when doing your research to find your perfect school psychology doctorate program, it is important to keep your needs and goals in mind.

Find Your Perfect On-Campus School Psychology Doctoral Program!

If you’re ready to find your perfect on-campus school psychology doctoral program, GradSchools.com can help. Filter this list further by selecting your preferred degree format and location, if necessary. Once you have narrowed down your list to your preferences, you can start reading up on school psychology doctoral programs, and even reach out to them for more information or to get started. Don’t put it off any longer. Let GradSchools.com help you find your perfect school psychology doctoral program today!

William James College

The School Psychology PsyD program is NASP-approved and APA-accredited. This program prepares practitioners to assume leadership roles in the education field, with an emphasis on the delivery of mental health services in schools...

Texas A&M University

The School Psychology Program prepares psychologists to enhance the academic, behavioral, and social development of children and adolescents, especially those facing adversity, through the delivery of evidence-based psychological services and through co...

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania

Expand your professional skills without leaving your current position in our summer-only doctoral program leading to the D.Ed. in School Psychology from IUP. Climb the career ladder by earning the Certificate for Supervisor of Pupil Services as part of...

Ball State University

If you could choose the ideal college -- one that provided you powerful resources (world class faculty, facilities, technology, and academics) for personal learning (small classes, with extensive faculty interaction and contact) -- you would choose Ball...

Syracuse University

University of Oregon

School Psychology at the University of Oregon prepares psychologists who work effectively with others in the identification and remediation of social and educational problems with children and adults.
The aim of professional preparation is to develop...

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Graduates of the Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology (PsyD) program are prepared to be leaders in providing exceptional psycho-educational and mental health services to children, youth, and families.

University of Georgia

University of Memphis

The doctoral concentration in School Psychology was approved in 1991. The program of studies and experiences was designed to be consistent with the accreditation guidelines of both the American Psychological Association and the National Council for Accr...

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Since 1966, the School Psychology Program at The University of North Carolina has prepared master's and doctoral-level professionals to deliver services to children, schools, and families. The program is based on a comprehensive systems orientation mode...

University of Alabama

University of Central Arkansas

M.S.-The mission of the 60-hour specialist-level School Psychology M.S. Program at the University of Central Arkansas is to prepare entry level school psychologists to apply scientifically-based psychological and educational principles and practices in...

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